In Vitro Effect of Anodization of Titanium Abutments on Color Parameters and Color Difference of Lithium Disilicate All-Ceramic Crowns.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the effect of the anodization of titanium abutments on the color parameters and color difference of lithium disilicate (LDS) all-ceramic crowns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 19 straight abutments were divided into two groups: anodized (n = 9) and non-anodized control (n = 9), with one hybrid zirconia abutment as a reference. Anodization was achieved by applying 63 V energy using seven 9 V flat batteries in series, with an electrolyte solution comprising 1 g trisodium phosphate in 250 mL distilled water for 5 s, resulting in a gold-yellow color. Abutments were then scanned, and full-contour monolithic IPS e.max maxillary central incisor crowns were fabricated with 2 mm thickness and glazed. Reflectance was measured using a spectroradiometer, and color coordinates (L*, a*, b*, h*, and C*) were calculated using CS-10W software. Color differences of the crowns in both groups were quantified using the CIEDE2000 (ΔE) color difference formula and analyzed by t-test (α = 0.05) compared to the standard sample.

RESULTS

The L*, a*, b*, and c* parameters in anodized abutments were significantly higher than those in non-anodized abutments, while the h* parameter in anodized abutments was significantly lower than that in non-anodized abutments (p < 0.001 for all). There was a significant difference in ΔE of the two groups (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

Anodization of titanium abutments improved the color parameters of LDS all-ceramic crowns and significantly decreased their ΔE compared with non-anodized abutments.